Introduction
The OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic TM-255 is an advanced, fully automatic 12V battery charger and maintainer designed for various lead-acid battery types, including AGM, GEL, and STD. It features a 9-step charging program to optimize battery performance and extend battery life. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic charger.
Key Features:
- Battery Saving Capability: Recovers neglected 12V lead-acid batteries from as low as 0.5 Volts.
- Ampmatic Charge Control: Automatically adjusts charging current (3 to 400Ah) to suit the battery size and condition for efficient charging.
- Cell Voltage Balancing: Prepares new batteries for initial use and optimizes overall battery performance.
- Automatic Operation: Connect and forget functionality with continuous monitoring and maintenance.
- Longer Battery Life: Provides 24/7 protection against discharge and maintains optimal battery health.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for motorcycles, cars, trucks, marine craft, and RVs.
- Durable Design: Fully sealed case offers protection against spills and light rain.
Important Safety Instructions
Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the charger. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
- Ventilation: Always operate the charger in a well-ventilated area. Batteries can produce explosive gases.
- Eye and Face Protection: Wear appropriate eye and face protection when working near batteries.
- No Smoking/Sparks: Do not smoke or allow sparks or flames in the vicinity of the battery or charger.
- Disconnect AC First: Always disconnect the AC power cord from the outlet before connecting or disconnecting the DC output leads to/from the battery.
- Proper Connection: Connect the positive (red) clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal and the negative (black) clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal or vehicle chassis away from the battery.
- Indoor Use: This charger is designed for indoor use. Do not expose it to rain or excessive moisture.
- Children: Keep the charger and battery out of reach of children.
- Damaged Charger: Do not operate the charger if it has been dropped, damaged, or shows any signs of malfunction. Contact Tecmate support.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic Battery Charger (Model TM-255)
- Battery clip set (for temporary connection)
- Fused ring terminal set (for permanent connection)
- Instruction Manual (this document)
Image: OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic TM-255 Battery Charger with included battery clips and ring terminals.
Setup and Connection
- Prepare the Battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If it's a serviceable battery, check fluid levels and top up with distilled water if necessary (do not overfill).
- Choose Connection Method:
- Battery Clips: For temporary connection. Ensure a secure connection to the battery terminals.
- Ring Terminals: For permanent connection. Attach the ring terminals to the battery posts and route the cable away from moving parts.
- Connect to Battery:
- Connect the RED (+) charger lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal.
- Connect the BLACK (-) charger lead to the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal. If charging a battery installed in a vehicle, connect the black lead to the vehicle chassis away from the battery and fuel line.
- Connect to AC Power: Plug the charger's AC power cord into a standard wall outlet (100-240V AC). The charger will automatically begin its diagnostic and charging process.
Image: Illustration of connecting the OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic charger to a 12V battery using battery clips.
Operating Instructions
The OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic operates automatically through a 9-step program. Once connected to the battery and AC power, it will initiate the charging process.
9-Step Charging Program Overview:
- Step 1: Program Selection: Automatic selection for 12V batteries.
- Step 2: Save (0.5V): High voltage desulphation mode for severely neglected batteries.
- Step 3: Save (1.5V): Low voltage desulphation mode.
- Step 4: Save (2V): Pulse desulphation mode.
- Step 5: Ampmatic Charge: Bulk charge phase, current adjusted based on battery condition.
- Step 6: Absorption: Constant voltage charge to ensure full charge.
- Step 7: Cell Voltage Balancing: Optimizes individual cell voltage for new or deeply discharged batteries.
- Step 8: Test: Checks battery charge retention and overall health.
- Step 9: OptiMATE Maintenance: Float charge mode to maintain the battery at optimal voltage without overcharging.
The charger's LEDs will indicate the current charging stage and battery status. Refer to the charger's label for specific LED interpretations.
Maintenance and Long-Term Storage
The OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic is designed for long-term connection to maintain batteries. For optimal battery life and charger performance:
- Continuous Connection: The charger can remain connected to the battery indefinitely, providing intelligent maintenance charging.
- Battery Cleanliness: Periodically inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
- Fluid Levels (for serviceable batteries): For batteries with removable caps, check electrolyte levels monthly during long-term maintenance and top up with distilled water if needed.
- Charger Condition: Keep the charger clean and dry. Avoid covering it during operation to ensure proper ventilation.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Charger not turning on / No LEDs active. | No AC power; poor battery connection; severely discharged battery (below 0.5V). | Check AC outlet and power cord. Ensure secure connection to battery terminals. If battery is below 0.5V, it may be unrecoverable. |
| Charger stays in "Save" mode for extended periods. | Battery is deeply sulphated or damaged. | Allow the charger to continue. If it doesn't progress after 24 hours, the battery may be beyond recovery. |
| Battery not reaching full charge. | Incorrect battery type selected (not applicable for Ampmatic); internal battery fault; poor connection. | Ensure connections are secure. Have the battery professionally tested for internal faults. |
| Charger indicates fault (specific LED pattern). | Short circuit; reverse polarity; internal charger fault. | Disconnect immediately. Check for short circuits or reverse polarity. If problem persists, contact Tecmate support. |
For further assistance, please refer to the official Tecmate website or contact their customer support.
Technical Specifications
| Model | TM-255 |
| Brand | Tecmate |
| Input Voltage | 240 Volts AC (compatible with 100-240V AC) |
| Output Voltage | 12 Volts DC |
| Current Rating | 10 Amps |
| Battery Capacity | 3 to 400 Ah (Ampmatic control) |
| Battery Types | 12V Lead-Acid (AGM, GEL, STD, Deep Cycle, Starter) |
| Charging Steps | 9-step automatic program |
| Item Weight | 3.23 pounds (approx. 1.46 kg) |
| Package Dimensions | 12.83 x 8.27 x 3.35 inches (approx. 32.6 x 21 x 8.5 cm) |
| Enclosure Rating | Fully sealed case (protection against spillage and light rain) |
Warranty and Support
The OptiMATE 7 Ampmatic TM-255 is manufactured by Tecmate. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Tecmate website or contact their customer service department.
Manufacturer: Tecmate
Website: www.tecmate.com
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
